What is on an acid reflux "food not to eat" list?

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People who suffer from acid reflux should avoid eating fatty or oily foods, sweets, pasta, carbonated beverages, and certain vegetables, meats, dairy and juices, says WebMD. These foods can cause stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus, resulting in painful acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn.

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Foods that aggravate acid reflux differ from person to person, although common triggers include chocolate, mint, acidic fruit and vegetable juices, beef, chicken wings, liquor, potato chips, doughnuts, coffee and tea, mashed potatoes, ice cream, sour cream, and cottage cheese, according to Mayo Clinic. Individuals should keep a journal of foods that cause heartburn to determine their own list of foods to avoid, says WebMD.

If acid reflex attacks occur two or more times a week, the individual is considered to have acid reflux disease, an ongoing condition that needs to be managed through diet and medication, says Mayo Clinic. Another cause of acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, also can be managed by avoiding certain foods.

In addition to making careful food choices to prevent heartburn, reducing portion sizes can also help prevent painful heartburn symptoms, according to WebMD. Overeating can cause food to stay in the stomach longer, prolonging the exposure the esophagus has to stomach acid.